The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria says Nigerians applying for visa
to the North American country will henceforth be required to provide their
fingerprints.
It said the new requirement which took effect from October 23, was
introduced to check fraud, facilitate legitimate travel by making entry into the
country easier. According to the High Commission, applicants will need to go in person
to a visa application centre to submit their application and give their
fingerprints as well as have their photograph taken.
This was contained in a statement by the high commission’s Public
Affairs Officer, Ezinne Uluocha.
The new requirement, Uluocha said, would put Canada in line with other
countries already collecting this information from visitors. These countries
include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, countries in the
European Union Schengen Zone, and Japan.
But, the High Commission noted that the new application process will
exempt applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 as well as
diplomats and government officials travelling on official business.
Uluocha said, “Effective from October 23, visitors to Canada from
several countries, including Nigeria, will be required to provide fingerprints
and a digital photograph when they apply for a visitor visa, study or work
permit.
“This new requirement will not only help protect the safety and
security of Canadians while helping facilitate legitimate travel, it will also
protect prospective visitors by making it more difficult for others to forge,
steal or use an applicant’s identity to gain access to Canada.”
However, the High Commission added that applicants would have to part
with a fee ranging from $85 to $170 before their fingerprints and photograph
before their date will be captured at any of its visa application centre.
Source:
Punch
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